by Beth Stefanik, Reves Center for International Studies
|
February 9, 2012

In anticipation of its grand
opening in Spring 2012, the William & Mary Confucius Institute (WMCI) will host
a Chinese Culture Semester that brings together a number of academic and
cultural events across the College and in the local Williamsburg community.

The
WMCI is a collaborative program between the College, Beijing Normal University
(BNU), and the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban). Confucius
Institutes aim to promote Chinese language and culture, support the teaching of
Chinese at the host institutions and in their local communities, as well as
facilitate cultural exchanges.

“This
is a very exciting time at William & Mary. We are just beginning our
Confucius Institute activities and these events will enrich the cultural environment
of the campus and the community,” said Yanfang Tang, director of the William
& Mary Confucius Institute and associate professor of Chinese Studies. “The
new institute will continue to evolve over the coming years with educational
and cultural programming that will make William & Mary a vibrant place to
teach and to study.”

Chinese
Culture Semester events include:

A screening of the film “Suzhou River” during the annual W&M
Global Film Festival.February 15,
6:30 p.m., Williamsburg Regional Library.

A Chinese Culture parade from the Sadler Center to the
Kimball Theater (Merchants Square), organized by the Chinese Student
Organization. Followed by an Asian Fusion reception.February 18,
5–6 p.m.

A screening of the film “Beijing Bicycle” as part of the
“China’s Urban Filmmaking” event of the W&M Global Film Festival. Director
Wang Xiaoshuai will be available to take questions via Skype following the
screening. An Asian Fusion reception will precede the screening, beginning at 6
p.m. February 18, 7 p.m., Kimball
Theatre, Merchants Square.

The W&M Chinese Majors
Forum: Contested Traditions in Modern Chinese Culture. Keynote speech to be
presented by Charles Laughlin, professor of East Asian Studies, director
of the East Asia Center, and professor of Chinese Literature at the University
of Virginia.March 23, 2 -6 p.m., Washington Hall Room 201.

Chinese Language Speech Contest. All students currently
enrolled in W&M Chinese language courses are welcome to compete for the
chance to speak at the WMCI Grand Opening Ceremony.March 30, 3 p.m.,
Washington Hall Room 201.

Dr. Vanessa Fong’s lecture “Transnational Chinese
Students and the Quest for Flexible Citizenship in the Developed World.”
Reception to follow, co-sponsored by the Asian and Middle East Studies program
(AMES).April 2, Washington Hall Room 241. Time to be
announced.